Corydalis ophiocarpa

False Bleeding Heart is a Himalayan native that is grown for its muted but colorful fern-like foliage. Foliage emerges grey-green in spring, ages to a nice bronze-green in summer, then goes pinky-purple in fall. Small, creamy, red-tipped flowers in appear spring.

This is a tough plant as long as it does not dry out. Grow it in full or part shade in evenly moist soil where it will remain fresh and green all summer. Will self sow when well sited.

Appearance is similar to C. cheilanthifolia, but grows in near opposite conditions.

Southern gardeners: plant with caution. This plant dislikes hot and humid summers.

Zones: 5 to 9

Family: Papaveraceae

Type: Perennial

Height: 12 to 30 in.

Spread: 12 to 30 in.

Exposure: part-shade, shade, bright full shade, light shade

Soil Conditions: moist, well-drained, average, humus rich, fertile, cool

Bloom Time: April to June

Bloom Color: Cream Yellow Flowers With Reddish Tips

Native Range: Eastern Himalayas

Image Credits:

阿橋 HQ, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons